Science, math, and cardboard robots: at Maker Faire Rome 2025, you can learn (seriously) through play

Think science is boring? You’re wrong. “Science Pills” is an interactive, engaging, and surprising workshop designed to stimulate curiosity and learning through hands-on scientific experiments and demonstrations. It awaits you at Maker Faire Rome 2025‘s Educational Island 2, Maker Lab – Room 12.

From October 17th to 19th, the Associazione Scienza Divertente Roma is organizing a continuous and recurring workshop (maximum 20 participants per session), designed for children and teens aged 3 to 14. The aim is to demonstrate that science is everywhere, even in the strangest and most curious phenomena.

An example? We’ll explore electrostatics, the most fascinating chemical reactions, the properties of light, magnetism, and even electricity. Naturally, all experiments are designed based on the age of the participants and led by expert instructors.

credits https://www.facebook.com/scienzadivertenteroma/photos

What a video game mathematics

Do you like math? And maybe video games too? You absolutely must come to Educational Island 4, Rooms 11 and 12 – Maker Lab, from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm during the three days of the fair. HERE is the lab dedicated to Matematica Superpiatta, an educational video game designed to guide children and teens in their discovery of mathematics through a playful, interactive, and inclusive environment. Participants navigate a sandbox-like world where, playing with number blocks, they face challenges appropriate to their grade level.

The workshop is designed for small groups (maximum 10 participants at a time), divided according to age group and class attended: 2nd and 3rd Primary School, 4th and 5th Primary School + 1st Middle School, 2nd and 3rd Middle School

Each session lasts approximately 70 minutes, divided into two phases:

1. Introduction and guided tutorial (25 min)
With special attention to students with learning difficulties
2. Active and guided play (45 min)
Alternating between free play and educational discussion of the content

To participate, all you need is your child’s name, surname, age, and grade level. A guardian must be present at the entrance for initial technical assistance. A release form for privacy and use of game data must be signed.

credits https://www.facebook.com/matematicasuperpiatta/

Pupazzi e robot di cartone

At Maker Faire Rome 2025, scheduled for October 17-19 at the Gazometro Ostiense, Officine Robotiche will be present. They will be bringing Cardboard Robots to Educational Island 6, an educational project that engages elementary and middle school students (ages 9–13) in a creative and technological experience based on the reuse and recycling of cardboard. The project stems from a partnership between an Italian and a German school in Rome, with the aim of introducing the principles of the circular economy through the construction of animated objects and robots using simple materials.

Using Micro:bit and Calliope Mini, students design and create cardboard artifacts (puppets, vehicles, robots, lamps, and other objects) that can move or react to stimuli.

The objects created are small, original, and personalized, and are decorated with artistic materials and manual techniques.

The laboratory at the fair

At the booth in Educational Island 6, a DIY cardboard robot head with a facial tracking system will be presented
as well as other artifacts built by students. Students from the I.C. Fratelli Cervi and the Deutsche Schule Rom, supported by tutors and trainers, will guide visitors through the design, modeling, and programming of the objects.

Promote environmental education and creativity

The project’s goals include introducing young people to Manufacturing 4.0 through accessible digital tools; promoting environmental education by stimulating creativity through recycled materials; fostering cultural integration and collaboration between different schools; and combining design, programming, and craftsmanship to create inclusive educational experiences.